Adjustable shower enclosure rod assembly

ABSTRACT

A rod assembly for supporting a curtain between a first surface and a second surface includes a first attachment assembly, a second attachment assembly and a rod. Each attachment assembly attaches to a respective surface and includes an angularly adjustable section receiver. The rod includes a first rod section and a second rod section. The first rod section is attached to the first section receiver and includes a first curved section positioned distally from the first section receiver. The second rod section is attached to the second section receiver and includes a second curved section positioned distally from the second section receiver. In one embodiment, the second curved section is slidably connected to the first curved section in a male-female relationship so that a length of the rod is adjustable. The first rod section can include a locking mechanism that is adapted to contact the second rod section to frictionally secure the first rod section and the second rod section to one another. The locking mechanism can slidingly move to adjust the length of the rod.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/860,373, filed Nov. 21, 2006, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted.

BACKGROUND

Shower curtain rod assemblies (also sometimes referred to herein as a “rod assembly”) which include a linear shower rod that suspends a shower curtain are well known. Recently, linear shower rods have been modified to include a curved shower rod which extends outwardly from the shower enclosure to provide a user with more space within the shower enclosure while bathing or showering. Some of these types of curved shower rods are fixedly mounted to the shower enclosure, which can have the drawback of taking up needed space outside of the shower enclosure. Other shower rods can be adjustable so that a user can retract the shower rod toward or into the shower enclosure during non-use of the shower. Still other shower rods can be dismounted and remounted in a manner that provides more space outside the shower enclosure during non-use of the shower.

Unfortunately, many of these types of shower curtain rod assemblies are cumbersome and can include complex mechanisms that are inconvenient or difficult to use and/or install for different sized shower enclosures. For instance, some shower rod assemblies require altering the materials of the shower rod, such as by cutting or sawing components of the shower rod.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward a rod assembly for supporting a curtain between a first surface and a second surface. In one embodiment, the rod assembly includes a first attachment assembly, a second attachment assembly and a rod. The first attachment assembly attaches to the first surface and includes an angularly adjustable first section receiver. The second attachment assembly attaches to the second surface and includes an angularly adjustable second section receiver. In certain embodiments, the rod includes a first rod section and a second rod section. The first rod section is attached to the first section receiver. Further, the first rod section includes a first curved section positioned distally from the first section receiver. The second rod section is attached to the second section receiver. In addition, the second rod section includes a second curved section positioned distally from the second section receiver. In one embodiment, the second curved section is slidably connected to the first curved section so that a length of the rod is adjustable.

In some embodiments, substantially the entire length of at least one of the rod sections is curved. The curved sections can be connected to one another in a male-female relationship. The first rod section can include a locking mechanism that is adapted to contact the second rod section to frictionally secure the first rod section and the second rod section to one another. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a set screw. The second curved section can include a slot. The locking mechanism can slidingly move along the slot to adjust the length of the rod. In certain embodiments, the section receivers pivot in a side-to-side motion. The rod can be rotatable relative to the attachment assemblies by at least approximately 90 degrees.

In another embodiment, the rod assembly includes a first end, a second end and a curved middle section. The first end is attached to the first section receiver. The second end is attached to the second section receiver. The middle section is positioned between first end and the second end. In one embodiment, the middle section is adjustable to change a length of the rod for attachment to the first section receiver and the second section receiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rod assembly having features of the present invention, illustrated in a first position;

FIG. 2 is a top view of another embodiment of a portion of the rod assembly, shown in two different positions including an extended position and a retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a detailed top view of a portion of the rod assembly illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the rod assembly including a portion of a rod and a portion of an attachment assembly;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the rod assembly;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of the rod assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the rod assembly illustrated in FIG. 6, with a portion illustrated in phantom for clarity;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the rod assembly;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of another portion of the rod assembly; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective end view of the portion of the rod assembly illustrated in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed toward an adjustable shower enclosure rod assembly 10 (also referred to herein as a “rod assembly”) for adjustably supporting a curtain 12 such as a shower curtain. The design of the rod assembly 10 can vary, as provided herein. Although the rod assembly 10 described herein is particularly well-suited for supporting a shower curtain 12, it is recognized that the rod assembly 10 can equally support one or more curtains 12 used for other purposes. As one non-exclusive example, the rod assembly 10 can support a curtain 12 used to partition off one portion of a room from another, or to hide one area, such as a closet, the rest of a room. It is understood that the rod assembly 10 provided herein can be utilized in any suitable situation where support of a curtain 12 between two surfaces is required.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the rod assembly 10 in a first position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the rod assembly 10 includes a curved shower rod 14 (also sometimes referred to herein as a “rod”) and one or more attachment assemblies 16A, 16B that secure the rod 14 to a support structure 15 having one or more surfaces, such as a first surface 15A and a second surface 15B. Various embodiments of suitable attachment assemblies 16A, 16B are included in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2007/0174956, filed by David Heaslip, the applicant herein. To the extent permitted, the contents of U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2007/0174956 are incorporated herein by reference. It is recognized that the attachment assemblies 16A, 16B can be identical to one another, or the attachment assemblies can have minor differences relative to one another.

The support structure 15 can be part of a shower enclosure, closet or any other suitable structure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the surfaces 15A, 15B are parallel opposing walls, although it is recognized that the surfaces 15A, 15B need not be parallel to one another. In certain embodiments, the rod assembly 10 allows one taking a shower to have more room inside the shower enclosure because the shower rod 14 is selectively curved away from the shower enclosure.

The shape of the rod 14 can vary to suit the design requirements of the rod assembly 10 and the support structure 15. For example, in one embodiment, the rod 14 can have a curved design with a substantially consistent radius of curvature. In an alternative embodiment, the rod 14 can have a curved design with a varying radius of curvature. Still alternatively, the rod 14 can be substantially linear. In another embodiment, the rod 14 can include substantially linear portions separated by angled connector regions such as acute, right or obtuse angles. In yet another embodiment, the rod 14 can combine linear portions and curved regions.

The rod 14 includes two or more rod sections 22, 24 that are movable relative to one another prior to being secured to the attachment assemblies 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the rod 14 includes two rod sections including at least a first rod section 22 and a second rod section 24. A portion of the second rod section 24 slidingly fits along or into a portion of the first rod section 22. It is recognized that the rod 14 can alternatively include greater than two rod sections 22, 24. In various embodiments, all or part of each rod section 22, 24 can be curved.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a portion of the rod assembly 210, shown in two different positions including a extended position 200A (illustrated by the uppermost image in FIG. 2) and a retracted position 200B (illustrated by the lowermost image in FIG. 2). It is recognized that the shower rod 214 can be positioned in an infinite number of positions between the extended position 200A and the retracted position 200B shown in FIG. 2, and that the positions 200A, 200B illustrated in FIG. 2 are provided for ease of description only.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the shower rod 214 includes at least the first rod section 222 and the second rod section 224. A portion of the second rod section fits along or into the first rod section 222. The first rod section 222 includes a first proximal end 226F and a first distal end 228F. The second rod section 224 includes a second proximal end 226S and a second distal end 228S. In certain embodiments, the first distal end 228F and/or the second distal end 228S are curved sections of the first rod section 222 and the second rod section 224, respectively. As used herein, the terms first distal end 228F and the first curved section can be interchangeable, and the terms the second distal end 228S and the second curved section can likewise be interchangeable. In an alternative embodiment, the first distal end 228F and/or the second distal end 228S are substantially linear.

The first proximal end 226F and the second proximal end 226S are adjacent to and are each coupled to respective attachment assemblies 216 (only one attachment assembly 216 is illustrated in each position 200A, 200B shown in FIG. 2), which are in turn each secured to respective surfaces 15A, 15B of the support structure 15 (illustrated in FIG. 1).

In certain embodiments, the first rod section 222 and the second rod section 224 slidingly move relative to one another in a telescoping manner. Thus, an adjustment can be made to an overall length of the rod 214 according to the dimensions of the support structure 15, without the need to permanently alter or disfigure the rod 214, such as by sawing or otherwise shortening one or more rod sections 222, 224. With this design, the rod 214 can be used on multiple occasions with different support structures 15 having varying dimensions from one another, or in different horizontal and/or vertical positions within a given support structure 15.

In the extended position 200A, the shower rod 214 is relatively lengthy to accommodate larger shower enclosures, for example. In this extended position 200A, the second rod section 224 is inserted within the first rod section 222 to a lesser extent than when the shower rod 214 is in the retracted position 200B. In the retracted position 200B illustrated in FIG. 2, the second rod section 224 is almost completely inserted within the first rod section 222, and is therefore only slightly visible in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion of one embodiment of the shower rod 314. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the first rod section 322 includes a seal 330 positioned at the first distal end 328F. In this embodiment, the seal 330 can inhibits moisture from penetrating between the rod sections 322, 324. The seal 330 can be formed from a plastic, rubber, metal or another suitable material. The seal 330 can also increase friction between the first rod section 322 and the second rod section 324 to inhibit relative movement between the rod sections 322, 324 once the proper dimensions of the shower rod 314 have been attained. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3, once the appropriate length of the shower rod 314 has been achieved by moving the second rod section 324 relative to the first rod section 322, the rod sections 322, 324 are not directly secured to one another. Instead, the seal 330 generates sufficient friction to inhibit relative movement between the rod sections 322, 324. In alternative embodiments, the rod sections 322, 324 can be directly secured or otherwise attached to one another once the appropriate length of the shower rod 314 has been attained.

FIG. 4 is a partially transparent perspective view of one embodiment of the rod assembly 410 including the shower rod 414 and two attachment assemblies 416A, 416B. In this embodiment, a portion of the second rod section 424 that is within the first rod section 422 is illustrated in phantom for clarity. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the second rod section 424 can include a slot 444 having a length that slidingly permits adjustment of the second rod section 424 relative to the first rod section 422, as described in greater detail below.

In this embodiment, the first attachment assembly 416A includes a first surface mount (not shown in FIG. 4), a first section receiver 436A and a first receiver retainer 438A. The first surface mount is fixedly attached to the first surface 15A (illustrated in FIG. 1). It is noted that although the first surface mount is not visible in FIG. 4, it is substantially similar to the second surface mount 434B, described below. The first section receiver 436A receives and secures the first section 422 of the rod 414. In one embodiment, the first section receiver 436A is angularly adjustable so that the first section receiver 436A can pivot relative to the first receiver retainer 438A and/or the first surface 15A. For example, depending upon the orientation of the first section receiver 436A, the first section receiver 436A can pivot side-to-side, up and down, or in any other suitable direction between these two movements. With this design, the first section receiver 436A can pivot to receive the first section 422 regardless of the angle at which the first section 422 is positioned relative to the first surface 15A and/or the first attachment assembly 416A.

Somewhat similarly, the second attachment assembly 416B includes a second surface mount 434B, a second section receiver (not visible in FIG. 4) and a second receiver retainer 438A. The second surface mount 434B is fixedly attached to the second surface 15B (illustrated in FIG. 1). The second section receiver receives and secures the second section 424 of the rod 414. In one embodiment, the second section receiver is angularly adjustable so that the second section receiver can pivot relative to the second receiver retainer 438B and/or the second surface 15B. For example, depending upon the orientation of the second section receiver, the second section receiver can pivot side-to-side, up and down, or in any other suitable direction between these two movements. With this design, the second section receiver can pivot to receive the second section 424 regardless of the angle at which the second section 424 is positioned relative to the second surface 15B and/or the second attachment assembly 416B.

In certain embodiments, the proximal ends 426F, 426S of the shower rod 414 can include a hollow (female) region that is attached to the respective first section receiver 436A or second section receiver of the respective attachment assembly 416A, 416B.

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the first attachment assembly 516A and the rod 514. In this embodiment, the first section receiver 536A of attachment assembly 516A pivots relative to the first receiver retainer 538A. When the first receiver retainer 538A is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first section receiver 536A pivots in a side-to-side manner (illustrated by arrow 580), thereby accommodating curved shower rods 514 having different positions, lengths and/or angles relative to the first surface 515A. Stated another way, the spacing between the first surface 515A and the second surface 15B (illustrated in FIG. 1) determines whether the rod 514 will be in the extended position 200A (illustrated in FIG. 2), the retracted position 200B (illustrated in FIG. 2) or in another position between the extended position 200A and the retracted position 200B. Depending upon this positioning of the rod 514, the angle of the first proximal end 526F and the second proximal end (not shown in FIG. 5) relative to the surfaces 515A, 15B and/or the receiver retainers 538A, 438B (illustrated in FIG. 4) can differ. With at least some of the designs provided herein, the pivoting of the first section receiver 536A permits a secure attachment of the rod 514 to the first attachment assembly 516A regardless of the angle of the first proximal end 526F.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the first receiver retainer 538A can rotate in a clockwise and/or a counterclockwise direction relative to the first surface 515A, as illustrated by arrow 582. For example, the first receiver retainer 538A, and thus the rod 514, can rotate at least 90 degrees relative to the first surface 515A. In one embodiment, the first receiver retainer 538A, and thus the rod 514, can rotate at least 90 degrees relative to the first surface 515A. It is understood that the second receiver retainer 438B can behave in a substantially similar manner as the first receiver retainer 538A. By selectively rotating the first receiver retainer 538A, the orientation of the rod 514 changes so that the curvature of the rod 514 can either extend inwardly toward the shower enclosure (shown in FIG. 1), or outwardly away from the shower enclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of the shower rod 614 including the first rod section 622 and the second rod section 624. In this embodiment, the seal 330 (illustrated in FIG. 3) has been omitted for clarity. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the first rod section 622 includes a locking mechanism 645 (only partially visible in FIG. 6). In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 645 includes an aperture 652, a threaded screw rod section 1046 (illustrated in FIG. 10) and a stabilizer 1048 (illustrated in FIG. 10). The locking mechanism 645 is positioned near a first distal end 628F of the first rod section 622. As described in greater detail below, the threaded screw rod section 1046 receives the stabilizer 1048, which when tightened against the second rod section 624, inhibits relative movement between the first rod section 622 and the second rod section 624.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a portion of one embodiment of the shower rod 714 including the first rod section 722 and the second rod section 724 (partially illustrated in phantom). In certain embodiments, the first rod section 722 includes the locking mechanism 745 (only partially visible in FIG. 7), which includes an aperture 752 and one or more threaded screw rod sections 1046 (illustrated in FIG. 10) that can align with one or more slots 744 (only one slot 744 is illustrated in FIG. 7) to inhibit any twisting or rotation of the second rod section 724 relative to the first rod section 722.

The stabilizer 1048 (illustrated in FIG. 10), such as a set screw in one embodiment, can be threaded into the screw rod section 1046 through the slot 744. The stabilizer 1048 frictionally contacts the second rod section 724, creating sufficient force between the stabilizer 1048 and the second rod section 724 to decrease the likelihood of sliding of the second rod section 724 relative to the first rod section 722.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the rod 814, including the second rod section 824. In this embodiment, the second rod section includes a slot 844 having a length 850. The length 850 of the slot 844 can vary depending upon the design requirements of the rod 814, and the desired extent of maximum movement or telescoping of the first rod section 722 (illustrated in FIG. 7) relative to the second rod section 824.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the rod 914 including the first rod section 922. In this embodiment, the first rod section 922 includes one locking mechanism 945. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the locking mechanism 945 includes an aperture 952 and a screw rod section 1046 (illustrated in FIG. 10). It is recognized that the first rod section 922 can include any suitable number of locking mechanisms 945, and that the locking mechanisms 945 can be positioned in any suitable location along the first rod section 922.

FIG. 10 is a perspective end view of an embodiment of a portion of the first rod section 1022, including the locking mechanism 1045 having a screw rod section 1046 and a stabilizer 1048. In this embodiment, the screw rod section 1046 can include internal threads (not shown in FIG. 10) that receive the stabilizer 1048, such as a set screw. The screw rod section 1046 can be welded in place within the first rod section 1022 to provide better thread engagement and act as an alignment key that fits within the slot 844 (illustrated in FIG. 8) in the opposing second rod section 824 (illustrated in FIG. 8). The screw rod section 1046 includes an aperture 1052 that is exposed to the exterior of the rod 1014. The stabilizer 1048 can be inserted through the aperture 1052 and into the screw rod section 1046 to the extent that no portion of the stabilizer 1048 is exposed or contacted by the shower curtain 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1).

With one or more of the designs provided herein, the telescoping nature of the shower rod 14, combined with the pivoting attachment assemblies 16A, 16B, provides easier assembly and installation, as well as greater versatility for different sized shower enclosures. Further, in various embodiments, the curved shower rod 14 provides increased space within the shower enclosure during showering.

While the particular adjustable shower enclosure rod assembly 10 as shown and disclosed herein is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of the methods, construction or design herein shown and described. 

1. A rod assembly for supporting a curtain between a first surface and a second surface, the rod assembly comprising: a first attachment assembly that attaches to the first surface, the first attachment assembly including an angularly adjustable first section receiver; a second attachment assembly that attaches to the second surface, the second attachment assembly including an angularly adjustable second section receiver; and a rod including (i) a first rod section that is attached to the first section receiver, the first rod section including a first curved section positioned distally from the first section receiver, and (ii) a second rod section that is attached to the second section receiver, the second rod section including a second curved section positioned distally from the second section receiver, the second curved section being slidably connected to the first curved section so that a length of the rod is adjustable.
 2. The rod assembly of claim 1 wherein substantially the entire length of at least one of the rod sections is curved.
 3. The rod assembly of claim 1 wherein substantially the entire length of each of the rod sections is curved.
 4. The rod assembly of claim 1 wherein the curved sections are connected to one another in a male-female relationship.
 5. The rod assembly of claim 1 wherein the first rod section includes a locking mechanism that is adapted to contact the second rod section to frictionally secure the first rod section and the second rod section to one another.
 6. The rod assembly of claim 5 wherein the locking mechanism includes a set screw.
 7. The rod assembly of claim 5 wherein the second curved section includes a slot, and wherein the locking mechanism slidingly moves along the slot to adjust the length of the rod.
 8. The rod assembly of claim 1 wherein the section receivers pivot in a side-to-side motion.
 9. The rod assembly of claim 1 wherein the rod is rotatable relative to at least one of the surfaces by at least approximately 90 degrees.
 10. The rod assembly of claim 1 wherein the rod is rotatable relative to at least one of the surfaces by at least approximately 180 degrees.
 11. A rod assembly for supporting a curtain between a first surface and a second surface, the rod assembly comprising: a first attachment assembly that attaches to the first surface, the first attachment assembly including an angularly adjustable first section receiver; a second attachment assembly that attaches to the second surface, the second attachment assembly including an angularly adjustable second section receiver; and a rod including (i) a first end that is attached to the first section receiver, (ii) a second end that is attached to the second section receiver, and (iii) a curved, middle section positioned between first end and the second end, the middle section being adjustable to change a length of the rod for attachment to the first section receiver and the second section receiver.
 12. The rod assembly of claim 11 wherein the middle section includes an intersection between a first rod section and a second rod section, the rod sections being connected to one another in a male-female relationship.
 13. The rod assembly of claim 12 wherein the first rod section includes a locking mechanism that is adapted to contact the second rod section to frictionally secure the first rod section and the second rod section to one another.
 14. The rod assembly of claim 13 wherein the locking mechanism includes a set screw.
 15. The rod assembly of claim 13 wherein the second rod section includes a slot, and wherein the locking mechanism slidingly moves along the slot to adjust the length of the rod.
 16. The rod assembly of claim 11 wherein the section receivers pivot in a side-to-side motion.
 17. The rod assembly of claim 11 wherein the rod is rotatable relative to at least one of the surfaces by at least approximately 90 degrees.
 18. The rod assembly of claim 11 wherein the rod is rotatable relative to at least one of the surfaces by at least approximately 180 degrees.
 19. The rod assembly of claim 11 wherein the rod is adapted to be attached to the attachment assemblies when the attachment assemblies are positioned in a non-parallel manner with one another.
 20. A rod assembly for supporting a curtain between a first surface and a second surface, the rod assembly comprising: a first attachment assembly that attaches to the first surface, the first attachment assembly including an angularly adjustable first section receiver that pivots in a side-to-side motion; a second attachment assembly that attaches to the second surface, the second attachment assembly including an angularly adjustable second section receiver that pivots in a side-to-side motion; and a rod including (i) a continuously curved first rod section that is attached to the first section receiver, the first rod section including a first curved section positioned distally from the first section receiver, the first rod section including a locking mechanism, and (ii) a continuously curved second rod section that is attached to the second section receiver, the second rod section including a second curved section positioned distally from the second section receiver, the second curved section being slidably connected to the first curved section in a male-female relationship so that a length of the rod is adjustable, wherein the locking mechanism is adapted to contact the second rod section to frictionally secure the first rod section and the second rod section to one another. 